Papa Daniel Mustapha, one of the biggest surprise inclusions in Eric Chelle’s first 23-man Super Eagles squad, has promised to make the most of his opportunity and show Nigerians what he’s capable of, Footynaija.com reports.
In a heartfelt interview posted on the official Super Eagles Facebook page, the young midfielder revealed that his call-up was completely unexpected.
“I never expected it… I was just doing my thing. When I saw the provisional list, I was shocked. Seeing my name on the final 23-man list made me very happy. Thanks to God — it’s not easy for me to be here.”
The 23-year-old, who plays for Niger Tornadoes in the Nigerian Premier Football League, spoke about how inspired he feels sharing camp with Nigeria’s established internationals.
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“Seeing the big boys in camp is motivation for me. They’ve been very friendly, encouraging everyone — we never felt like outsiders.”
Papa Daniel Mustapha is a defensive midfielder known for his high work rate, ball-winning, and strong mentality. His performances with Niger Tornadoes this season have caught the attention of Eric Chelle and his scouting team.
Before returning to Nigeria, Mustapha spent time with Adanaspor U19 in Turkey, where he made 13 appearances and scored 2 goals. His selection shows Chelle’s intent to freshen up the midfield with hungry, determined players.
He is one of four fresh faces in Eric Chelle’s 23-man Super Eagles squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The others include Kayode Bankole, the Remo Stars goalkeeper making his first senior appearance, Igoh Ogbu who plays for Slavia Prague, and Tolu Arokodare, the KRC Genk striker known for his height and finishing ability.
“If I have the chance, I will show Nigeria and the world who I am and what I can do.”
The Super Eagles are currently struggling in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, sitting fifth in Group C with just three points from four matches. Bringing in fresh faces like Mustapha could inject energy and resilience, especially with midfield stability being one of the team’s concerns.
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